new BP owner

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Hi there,
I have been given a gift of a young BP(12" long) for Christmas and have never owned a snake before ... my GF got a few bits of info from pet store owner but its all a bit ropey to be honest. Even from just trawling a few websites the pet store owner seems to have let the little fella off in a poor enclosure with no light bulb guard/cheapo thermometer which I will put right soon as the stores here open up after the hols. Basically I am curious to know whether i should be handling the little fella from the get-go or should I let him settle in to new home , also should handling take precedence over feeding ? Any tips for a newbie will be greatly appreciated also. He is full of life in the evening time and is quite funny to watch him stretch out to have a nose about his new home and then just fall over as gravity takes hold ! He's a beautiful creature and worlds away from the staffy pup I was expecting but hopefully he feeds ok and takes to his new home ! Great forum and website and hopefully this is the begining of 2 great friendships - new forum/new pet ,
Happy new year everyone
Martin.

[tigerlily]

Hi there,
I have been given a gift of a young BP(12" long) for Christmas and have never owned a snake before ... my GF got a few bits of info from pet store owner but its all a bit ropey to be honest. Even from just trawling a few websites the pet store owner seems to have let the little fella off in a poor enclosure with no light bulb guard/cheapo thermometer which I will put right soon as the stores here open up after the hols. Basically I am curious to know whether i should be handling the little fella from the get-go or should I let him settle in to new home , also should handling take precedence over feeding ? Any tips for a newbie will be greatly appreciated also. He is full of life in the evening time and is quite funny to watch him stretch out to have a nose about his new home and then just fall over as gravity takes hold ! He's a beautiful creature and worlds away from the staffy pup I was expecting but hopefully he feeds ok and takes to his new home ! Great forum and website and hopefully this is the begining of 2 great friendships - new forum/new pet ,
Happy new year everyone
Martin.

I would allow at least a week of no handling for settling in. I have gone for up to 2 months without handling, so that I could firmly establish a feeding schedule. Making sure your animal is getting the food it needs always takes precedence over your pleasure of handling him. Handling can add to the stress and refusal to eat.

The most important thing you can provide for you snake is the right environment. Make sure you provide a warms side of 92-94 and a cool side of 82-84. Provide two small, tight hides. Here's a link to our caresheet, for some basic info.

[rmune0750]

I would allow at least a week of no handling for settling in. I have gone for up to 2 months without handling, so that I could firmly establish a feeding schedule. Making sure your animal is getting the food it needs always takes precedence over your pleasure of handling him. Handling can add to the stress and refusal to eat.

The most important thing you can provide for you snake is the right environment. Make sure you provide a warms side of 92-94 and a cool side of 82-84. Provide two small, tight hides. Here's a link to our caresheet, for some basic info.

yeah Christie covered it all, you can look at this too - http://ball-pythons.net/forums/showthread.php?t=32800

^^^thats the cage setup sheet

[PythonFan8]

You should wait atleast 7 days before handling the ball python. they are fairly shy snakes and they dont liek to be handled much anyways unless they get used to it. Don't stress them. I really recommend getting a good care sheet and perhaps printing it so you always have it when you need it instead of going to your computer.

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Thanks folks for posting replies ... from the look of the set-up my GF was sold the pet shop owner has a lot to answer for ! I'm going to go an get the proper kit or Charlie(BP) is not going to be a happy bunny(python) ... have printed off the info in the links and armed with the knowledge therein its time to improve Charlies' quality of life ... well thats another night shift over and done with ... good night folks and stay safe ... here's hoping the best of 2006 is the worst of 2007 for you all
Regards,
Martin